The Patriots have traded with the Buccaneers to acquire running back LeGarrette Blount, Comcast Sports Net New England first reported Saturday. In exchange, they sent a seventh-round pick in the 2013 NFL draft and running back Jeff Demps to Tampa Bay.

Blount, a 6-0, 247-pound power back, broke out as a productive undrafted rookie for the Bucs in 2010 with a 1,007-yard rushing season, but he was a misfit in the team's offense under Greg Schiano last season. While explosive rookie first-round pick Doug Martin went to the Pro Bowl carrying a big load, Blount fell out of favor with the new coaching staff.

The Patriots are used to taking a chance on such players, and Blount comes at a low cost. At best, he'll stick as a third option behind Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen, and at worst, he'll be cut in training camp. Tampa Bay had been looking to move Blount for a while.

Demps was signed by New England as an undrafted free agent last summer after the former Florida Gators track standout earned a silver medal in the 4x100 meter relay at the London Olympics. Demps never hit the field, going on injured reserve in August.

The Buccaneers will see if they can put Demps' speed to use somewhere as he returns to his home state. Before attending Florida, he starred in high school in Groveland, Fla., just 72 miles from Tampa.